Colonnade demolition scaffolding collapses on cars

Scaffolding put up as part of the Colonnade demolition for the Chapel Arches project has collapsed today (Monday)

The structure has fallen onto parked cars in the High Street and the road has been closed to traffic.

Council leader Simon Dudley has tweeted to say he has heard no one was hurt in the incident.

The owner of a silver Corsa the scaffolding has fallen on said he had been having breakfast in the Bear pub nearby.

Aaron Davis-Hussain, 19, who is at the Cox Green Football Academy, said he did not see or hear what happened but was ‘a bit p**sed off to be honest’.

The damage to his car did not appear severe but passers-by were being marshalled away from the incident.

Update 1.24pm: 

Disruption in the area is likely to continue for ‘several hours’, a Thames Valley Police spokeswoman has said.

Officers were called to the scene, which has been taped off, just before midday to a report that scaffolding had fallen into the road.

She said approximately five vehicles were damaged and no-one was injured.

Update 1.42pm:

A crew from Maidenhead Fire Station are at the scene to help police.

It was called out at 12.30pm by police.

Update 4.34pm:

A spokeswoman from Shanly Homes, which is behind the Chapel Arches development, said: “This is a very serious matter and we are carrying out investigations with our demolition contractor and the HSE to ascertain exactly what happened today. We are extremely relieved that no one was hurt in the incident and we apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused.”

Update Tuesday May 1, 11.10am:

A Health and Safety Executive spokeswoman has said the agency is gathering evidence to determine if ‘further investigation’ is needed.

She said: “A HSE inspector attended the site and has worked in conjunction with Thames Valley Police and representatives from the highways and building control departments of the local authority to ensure the scene is secure and nobody is at further risk.

“A plan is being formulated by the principal contractor to ensure the remaining structure is strengthened and the fallen scaffolding is safely recovered.

“HSE will consider available evidence and determine what further investigation into potential breaches of health and safety law is required.”

The Royal Borough has tweeted that the Colonnade remains closed as investigations take place into the scaffolding collapse.

The Colonnade in Maidenhead remains closed while investigations take place after a section of scaffolding collapsed yesterday. No one was hurt and the road will be re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so. Pedestrian access around the closure is via the Library footbridge.

— RBWM (@RBWM) May 1, 2018